Balance training device

ABSTRACT

Balance training aids are disclosed. Example embodiments disclose a user placing all or part of their body weight on a top surface of a platform that is sitting atop an unstable base member and attempts to balance or complete a balance challenge. In example embodiments, the user places at least a portion of one foot atop the platform during the balance challenge. Adjustability features can be provided so as to provide a varying degree of adjustability to the unstable base member, and thus, provide a varying degree of balance challenges or levels of difficulty.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/849,379 filed May 17, 2019, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of athletic equipment and training, and more particularly to a balance training aids and devices.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention relates to a balance training aid including a base member and a standing platform. According to one example, the invention relates to a balance device including a lower base component and an upper standing platform configured for placement atop the lower base component. In example embodiments, the lower base component is an unstable or deformable material and the platform is a generally rigid material. In example embodiments, the lower base component includes one or more adjustability features including reinsertable plugs that are initially integrally formed with the lower base component, disengagable therefrom by user operation (e.g., the tabs 44), and reinsertable within the openings defined by the removal of the plugs so as to provide adjustment to the unstableness (instability) of the lower base component when a user is applying their weight by applying at least a portion of their foot with the platform.

In another aspect, the invention relates to balance training devices a shown and described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a balance training device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a base member or component of the balance training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the balance training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the balance training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the balance training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a detailed view of a portion of the balance training device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the balance training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a balance training device according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a portion of the balance training device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the balance training device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the balance training device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the balance training device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of an athlete balancing on a balance training device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Example embodiments of the present invention relate to balance training devices that are generally configured for the placement of at least a portion of one foot of a user, athlete and/or other human or animal subject on a portion thereof, for example, such that the subject places all or part of their body weight on a top surface of a platform that is sitting atop a base member and attempts to balance. As will be described in greater detail below, the balance training devices as described herein generally comprise a base member and a standing platform. In example embodiments, the balance training devices are unstable and preferably the degree of stability thereof is adjustable between a most stable configuration and a most unstable configuration, or for example, a least unstable configuration and a least stable configuration.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-12 show balance training devices according to an example embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the balance training device 10 generally comprises a base member 20 and an upper plate or platform 60. In example embodiments, the balance training device 10 is configured such that a user places one foot atop the platform 60 and attempts to balance thereon while their other foot remains free from engagement with the platform 60 or a ground surface that is supporting the base member 20 (see FIG. 12). In example embodiments, the balance training device 10 is unstable in a variety of directions, for example an axial direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction. Preferably, as will be described below, the degree of stability of the balance training device 10 is adjustable such that a user

Referring to FIG. 2, the base member 20 is generally elongate and extends from a first end 22 to a second end 24 and comprises a top portion 26 comprising an upper surface 30 and a bottom portion 28 comprising a lower surface 32. According to example embodiments, one or more adjustability features 40 can be provided/formed with the base member 20, for example, so as to provide adjustability to the base member 20 (as will be described in greater detail below).

As depicted in FIGS. 3-4, the base member 20 comprises a length L, a width W1 defined at the bottom portion 28, a width W2 defined at the top portion 26, and a height H. According to example embodiments, the length L is generally between about 8-20 inches, for example, between about 11-18 inches according to some example embodiments. The width W1 is generally between about 3.5-7 inches, for example, between about 4.5-6 inches according to some example embodiments. The width W2 is generally between about 2-5 inches, for example, between about 3-4 inches according to example embodiments of the present invention. According to one preferred embodiment, the length L is between about 12.88-14.88 inches, the width W1 is between about 4.69-5.50 inches, and the width W2 is between about 3-3.5 inches. Optionally, the base member 20 can be sized as desired.

According to example embodiments, the base member 20 comprises side surfaces defined along the length L thereof, for example, outer stability surfaces 34, a central surfaces 36, and transitional surfaces 37 extending between the outer stability surfaces 34 and the central surfaces 36. According to example embodiments, the surfaces 34, 36, 37 are provided on both sides of the base member 20, for example, wherein the surfaces 34, 36, 37 are generally symmetrical and mirrored about an elongate axis extending along the length L of the base member 20 at its midpoint (see FIG. 5). Thus, according to example embodiments, the outer profile of the bottom portion 28 of the base member 20 defines a centrally-located narrowed portion and outwardly-located widened portions, for example, wherein transitions are defined between the narrowed portion and the widened portions. Preferably, the combination of the narrowed portion and the widened portions provides sufficient stability to the base member 20 (e.g., preventing the same from unintentionally rolling over, especially when a user is attempting to balance thereon) while also lessening stability at its center so as to provide enough instability to provide a sufficient balance challenge.

In example embodiments, the outer stability surfaces 34 are generally angled to define an angle α relative to a vertical axis, for example, wherein the angle α is generally between about 10-45 degrees, for example between about 12-35 degrees according to some example embodiments. The central surfaces 36 are generally substantially vertical, for example, such that the width of the bottom portion 28 at the base member's 20 center or midpoint is generally equivalent to the width W2 of the top portion 26. Thus, in example embodiments, the width defined along the entirety of the central portion of the base member 20 (e.g., proximal the central surfaces 36) is substantially uniform. As shown in FIG. 5, the transitional surfaces 37 provide a generally continuous transition from the central surfaces to the outer stability surfaces 34. According to example embodiments, the transitional surfaces 37 are generally curved or radiused so as to provide a smooth and gradual transition from the central surfaces 36 to the outer stability surfaces 34.

Referring to FIG. 4, the length or extension Lc of the central surfaces 36 is generally between about 4-7 inches, for example between about 4.5-6 inches according to some example embodiments. And the length or extension Le of the outer stability surfaces 34 is between about 1.5-3.5 inches, for example, between about 2-3 inches according to some example embodiments. Thus, according to example embodiments, the length of the transitional surfaces 37 is between about 1.25-2.25 inches, for example, between about 1.5-2 inches according to some example embodiments. Optionally, according to other example embodiments, the lengths Lc, Le and/or the length of the transitional surfaces can be chosen as desired.

According to some example embodiments of the present invention, the cross sectional shape of the base member 20 preferably varies along its length. For example, with reference to FIGS. 3-5, a cross-section taken generally near the ends 22, 24 of the base member 20 and proximal the outer stability surfaces 37 defines a trapezoidal-like shape, and a cross-section taken at a central portion or midpoint of the base member 20 and proximal the central surfaces 36 defines a square or rectangular-like shape. IN other example embodiments, the cross-section of the base member 20 along the length thereof can preferably be chosen as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5 and as briefly described above, the base member 20 comprises one or more adjustability features 40. In example embodiments, the adjustability features 40 allow for adjustment to the stability of the base member 20, for example, so as to allow for the stability of the base member to be varied based on the configuration of the adjustability features 40. For example, the base member 20 becomes more unstable with the removal of one or more portions thereof, for example, such that the level of difficulty increases as portions of the one or more adjustability features 40 are removed from the base member 20. As depicted in FIG. 5A, the adjustability feature 40 comprises a pair of opposing channels 42 that are separated by at least one tab or support portion 44, for example, so as to define a plug member 46 between the opposing channels 42 and which is interconnected with the at least one support portion 44. In example embodiments, the opposing channels 42 extend along a generally C-shaped path, for example, so as to define a cylindrical-like plug that extends from the top surface 30 to the bottom surface 32. Thus, in example embodiments, the opposing channels 42 similarly extend through the entirety of the base member 20, for example, from the upper surface 30 to the lower surface 32. Optionally, only one channel (or multiple channels) extending along a desired path can be provided as desired. According to example embodiments, the channels are formed in the base member 20 by water jet cutting, for example, which generally define a width of about 0.05-0.15 inches in width.

In example embodiments, to remove the plug member 46 from the base member 20, a user's finger or other tool or other component is placed atop the plug member 46 (on either the upper or lower surface 30, 32) and at least some amount of force and/or pressure is applied thereto, for example, so as to cause the at least one support portion 42 to be severed or torn, thereby releasing or disconnecting the plug member 46 from the base member 20. Thereafter, the plug member 46 can be removed therefrom such that a generally cylindrical opening is formed in the base member 20. In example embodiments, the opening extends entirely through the base member 20 between the upper and lower surfaces 30, 32.

Still referring to FIG. 5A, the plug member 46 comprises a pair of opposing outwardly-extending nubs or protrusions 48, for example, which are generally positioned about portions of the plug member 46 as desired. For example, according to example embodiments of the invention, after the plug member 46 has been disconnected and removed from the base member 20, and for example, wherein the plug member 46 is desired to be reinserted in the opening of the adjustability feature 40 (e.g., to lessen the instability thereof), the plug member 46 is reinserted within the opening such that the protrusions are generally oriented about 90 degrees relative to their initial orientation prior to being initially removed therefrom. For example, according to example embodiments, the protrusions of the plug member 46 are configured to frictionally engage portions of a surface defined by the opening, and thus, remain engaged therein while providing support and stability to the base member 20.

According to example embodiments, the plug member defines a diameter D4 of between about 0.5-2 inches, for example between about 0.75-1.25 inches according to some example embodiments. In example embodiments, a diameter D5 is defined between the outermost portions of the protrusions 48, for example, which is between about 0.65-2.15 inches, for example between about 0.90-1.40 inches according to example embodiments. Thus, according to example embodiments, the protrusions 48 generally provide at least about 0.8 inches of interference with the inner surface of the opening of the adjustability feature 40. According to example embodiments, the protrusions 48 preferably provide sufficient interference when reinserted in the opening such that the stability of the base member 20 is substantially similar to the stability of the base member 20 prior to being initially removed therefrom. In other example embodiments, the adjustability features 40 can be configured such that the stability of the base member can be adjustable based upon how the plug member 46 is inserted/positioned within the opening of the adjustability feature 40, and for example, variable interference fit protrusions (at least two protrusions of differing extensions) may be provided for example, so as to provide at least two possible interference fits, and thus, at least two possible variances of the plug member 46 being engaged with the opening of the adjustability feature 40.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the base member 20 comprises about five adjustability features 40. In example embodiments, the adjustability features 40 are generally spaced-apart along an elongate axis that is generally centrally-positioned and extending along the length of the base member 20. According to example embodiments, an adjustability feature 40 is provided at a midpoint of the base member 20, for example, positioned at about ½ the length L of the base member 20, for example to define a distance D1. Outermost adjustability features 40 are positioned at a distance D2 from the ends 22, 24 of the base member, and intermediate adjustability features 40 are positioned at a distance D3 from the outermost adjustability features. According to example embodiments, the distance D2 is generally between about 1-3 inches, for example between about 1.5-2 inches according to example embodiments. And the distance D3 is generally between about 1.5-4 inches, for example, between about 2.5-3 inches according to example embodiments. Preferably, the base member 20 can comprise more or less than five adjustability features 40, and preferably the adjustability features 40 can be positioned and spaced apart as desired.

Thus, according to example embodiments, the base member 20 comprises a unitary, one-piece base member comprising initially integral, yet removable and reinsertable adjustability features such that the degree of stability of the base member can be adjusted and varied between a most stable configuration (e.g., all plug members 46 inserted) and a most unstable configuration (e.g., all plug members 46 removed). Optionally, according to other example embodiments, the plug members 46 can be separate components that can be inserted in the openings of the adjustability features 40 as desired.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the platform 60 is configured to be positioned atop the upper surface 30 of the base member so as to provide a substantially rigid surface for placing a foot thereon to attempt one or more balance challenges. For example, as depicted in FIG. 12, a user, with one foot placed on an upper surface 70 of the platform 60 and the other foot remaining free from engagement therewith or the ground or support surface, attempts to balance thereon. Preferably, as described above, the user can remove one or more of the plug members 46 of the adjustability features 40 so as to increase the instability of the base member 20, and thus, increase the balance challenge.

Referring back to FIGS. 3-4, the platform 60 is generally elongate and extends from a first end 62 to a second end 64, and comprises a lower surface 66 and an upper surface 68. In example embodiments, the plate member comprises a length that is substantially similar to the length L of the base member 20, however, the length of the platform 60 can be sized to be less than or greater than the length L of the base member 20. Further, the platform 60 comprises a width W3 and a thickness T. The width W3 is generally between about 3-6 inches, for example, between about 3.25-4.5 inches according to some example embodiments of the present invention. And the thickness T is generally between about 0.25-0.75 inches, for example between about 0.40-0.60 inches according to some example embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, according to other example embodiments, the width W3 and the thickness T can be sized as desired. According to example embodiments, the platform 60 is sized such that at least the upper surface 68 thereof comprises an area (length×W3) for accommodating at least one foot of a user or athlete. According to some example embodiments, the user may wear a shoe, sock or other component on their foot, for example, which may or may not at least partially extend beyond the bounds of the platform 60. In other example embodiments, the user need not wear any article on their feet such that the foot itself is placed on the upper surface 68 of the platform and the user attempts to balance thereon. According to example embodiments, the platform 60 can be configured to be mounted, coupled or otherwise secured to the base member, for example with hook and loop material or other coupling elements or fasteners.

According to some example embodiments, the platform 60 comprises a 12 mm thick Baltic birch wooden component that is generally rectangular in shape. According to example embodiments, the dimensions of the standing platform can preferably be sized as desired. According to one example embodiment, the plate comprises a width of 3.5 inches, a length of 13 inches and a thickness of 12 millimeters. In another example embodiment, the width is 3.5 inches, the length is 14 inches and the thickness is 12 millimeters. According to another example embodiment, the width is 4 inches, the length is 15 inches and the thickness is 12 millimeters. Optionally, platforms of any desired dimensions, thickness and/or material can be provided as desired. In some example embodiments, an outer periphery edge comprises a 0.25 inch round formed thereon. According to another example embodiment, the upper standing platform can be formed by plastic injection molding, or for example, other forms of molding. According to some example embodiments, the upper surface 68 of the platform 60 can comprise a texturized or rough surface. According to one example embodiment, a layer of grip tape or rubber-like frictional enhancing material 70 can be provided so as to improve the frictional engagement when a foot of a user is applied thereon.

In example embodiments, the base member 20 comprises foam, for example, XLPE (cross linked polyethylene) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam. According to one example embodiment, the foam comprises a blend, mixture or combination of XLPE and EVA foam. In other example embodiments, the foam can comprise other desired materials or foam compositions. According to example embodiments, the foam is closed-cell foam. According to another example embodiment, the foam is open-cell foam. For example, according to some example embodiments, the lower base component can be an inflatable member or a fillable bladder, or for example, can be the type comprising a double-needle construction wherein two or more layers of material are generally connected together by one or more threads, for example, which may be filled with a desired material and/or inflatable or fillable with water, air or another desired material. According to some example embodiments, a fluid-fillable bladder can be incorporated with the base member so as to provide varying levels of instability and adjustability.

According to example embodiments of the present invention, methods of training on a balance device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,764,174, for example, comprising multiple balance training protocols comprising orienting the user's foot in various positions relative to an elongate or lengthwise axis of the platform (parallel, perpendicular, 45 degrees) and attempting to balance thereon for a given duration, for example, can similarly be applied to the balance training devices 10, 100 of the present invention. Accordingly and as expressly stated herein, U.S. Pat. No. 9,764,174 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIGS. 7-11 show a balance training device 100 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. For example, according to example embodiments of the present invention, the balance training device 160 comprises a base member 120 and a platform 160. In example embodiments, the platform 160 can be removably mounted to a top portion of the base member 120, for example, so as to provide an area permitting only a front inside quadrant portion of a user's foot to be placed on the platform 160, for example, such that while all of the user's weight is applied to the platform 160 and through to the base member 120, the user's engagement of the front inside quadrant of their foot (or medial portion, forefoot) with the platform 160 provides key feedback such that the balance of the user's body can correct itself to stay balanced.

Indeed, rather than a user balancing atop a forgiving or flexible/deformable surface, material or other medium/construction, for example, in either case where all or a portion of the user's foot is directly engaged with an air-filled bladder, foam-only devices, or other deformable “when the user's weight is applied” devices or components, etc., for example, such that the deformable material provides minimal to no feedback to the front inside quadrant portion (or at least the big toe portion thereof); the platforms 60, 160 as described herein preferably provide a surface that can permit engagement of the front inside quadrant of the user's foot including the foot's big toe, and/or one or more toes adjacent the big toe (for example, a front forefoot portion of the foot according to one example embodiment), for example, so as to provide direct and accurate feedback regarding the configuration or particular position and orientation of the platform relative to the unstable base member 20, 120, thereby allowing a user's body to correct itself and maintain balance atop the balance training devices 10, 100 as described herein.

According to example embodiments, the balance training device 100 is generally similar to the balance training device 10 as described above. According to example embodiments of the present invention, the balance training device 100 comprises the base member 120 and a standing platform 160 that is generally centered atop and removably engaged with an upper surface 130 of the base member 120. Similarly, one or more adjustability features 140 can be provided as desired. The base member 120 comprises a generally uniform trapezoidal shape defining a bottom end 128 comprising a lower surface 132 comprising a greater surface area than the surface area defined at a top end 126 comprising an upper surface 130. According to example embodiments, the cross sectional shape of the base member in either of the axial or lateral directions would result in a trapezoidal shape, or for example, various other polygonal shapes, curves, undulations, etc. as desired. According to example embodiments, the trapezoidal cross section of the base member preferably provides sufficient stabilization to the base member as the user applies the entirety of their weight on the upper surface of the platform and attempts to balance, for example, and prevents “rolling” of the base member even when the platform's orientation and position are rather extreme relative to its natural orientation and position.

According to example embodiments, the bottom width of the base member W1 is between about 3.5-8.5 inches, for example, about 5.5 inches according to one example embodiment. The width W2 of the top end 126 of the base member 120 defines a dimension W2 of between about 2.5-5.5 inches, for example, about 3.5 inches according to one example embodiment. As similarly described above, the platform 160 defines a thickness T of between about 3-6 inches, for example, between about 3.25-4.5 inches, for example, about 4 inches according to some example embodiments. According to example embodiments, the outer stability surfaces 134 of the base member are all generally angled to define an angle α relative to a vertical axis, for example, wherein the angle α is generally between about 10-45 degrees, for example between about 12-35 degrees according to some example embodiments.

According to example embodiments, two or more balance training devices can be spaced part in a random pattern or array, for example, wherein a user/athlete must move throughout a defined steps or moves from one device to the next, without touching the ground and thus remaining balanced on the platform of one of the devices at a time. According to example embodiments, it is the front inside quadrant of the user's foot that is ultimately engaging with the platform of each of the devices as the user moves throughout one or more spaced-apart balance devices 100. According to one example embodiment, the devices 200 are generally spaced between about 6-36 inches from each other, for example, and the user moves from one device 100 to another device 100 in a desired configuration or quantity, etc.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A balance device comprising a lower base component and an upper standing platform configured for placement atop the lower base component, the lower base comprising an unstable or deformable material and the platform comprising a generally rigid material, the lower base component comprising one or more adjustability features comprising reinsertable plugs that are initially integrally formed with the lower base component and disengagable therefrom by user operation, and reinsertable within the openings defined by the removal of the plugs so as to provide adjustment to the unstableness of the lower base component when a user is applying their weight by applying at least a portion of their foot with the platform. 